Fort Scott Community College is proud to announce over 250 students will graduate on May 1, 2021. This year has been rough on the students, but they were able to persevere through the trials and tribulations. FSCC will have 170 associate degree graduates and 82 students graduating with a certificate.
“The students this year have shown a tremendous amount of grit and determination in completing their degrees or certificates. We are so proud of all our FSCC graduates,” said Adam Borth, Vice President of Academic Affairs.
This year is the 100th anniversary of the first graduating class at FSCC in 1921.
Graduation is scheduled for Saturday, May 1st in the Ellis Fine Arts building at 9:00 a.m. for students receiving an Associate in Applied Science degree or a Certificate.
Students graduating with an Associate in Arts, Science, or General Studies will participate in the 12:00 p.m. commencement ceremony.
A reception for Richard Mayhew, the 2021 Outstanding Alumnus, will be held between the two graduation ceremonies.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, limited seating will be available for the event, and each graduate will receive two guest tickets. A livestream of commencement will be available 10 minutes prior to the start of each ceremony on the FSCC website, fortscott.edu.
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Rural Kansans Eligible for Share of $42 Million in Federal Grants to Improve Connectivity
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that eligible Kansans can now apply for the for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Distance Learning and Telehealth (DLT) grants program.
The USDA has allocated $42.4 million in funding for 2021 DLT grants nationwide. The program aims to help rural communities use the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density.
“Ensuring all Kansans have access to quality, affordable broadband has always been one of my top priorities – but broadband access is just the first step to connectivity,” Governor Kelly said. “This grant is an incredible opportunity for rural Kansans to get funding for the telecommunications equipment and resources needed for telehealth services, virtual school, digital business activity, and more. I appreciate the USDA’s efforts to improve connectivity throughout the country.”
The program supports eligible rural communities with the costs associated with capital assets, instructional programming, and technical assistance. Program funds can be used on:
Broadband facilities
Audio, video and interactive video equipment
Terminal and data terminal equipment
Computer hardware, network components and software
Inside wiring and similar infrastructure that further DLT services
Instructional programming that is a capital asset
Technical assistance and instruction for using eligible equipment
DLT Grants are available to rural areas with population of 20,000 or less. Eligible applicants include most entities that provide education or health care through telecommunications, including most state and local governmental entities, federally recognized tribes, non-profits, for-profit businesses, and consortia of eligible entitles. Potential applicants can learn more, check if they are eligible, and apply here.
“Lack of connectivity has been a huge challenge in education and healthcare for rural communities, and this grant program has the potential to make a real impact,” Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam said. “We appreciate this partnership with USDA as we work to strengthen and improve the quality of life in rural Kansas.”
The Office of Recovery co-hosted a webinar on the USDA DLT program with the Office of Broadband Development, Office of Rural Prosperity, and Department of Agriculture. You can watch a recording of the webinar and learn more here.
Governor Laura Kelly Signs Executive Order Allowing for Return of License Renewal Deadlines, Return to Normal
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed an executive order that gives licensing agencies flexibility to start reimposing license renewal deadlines and fees, marking another step in Kansas’ continued return to normal life following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When the pandemic began, my administration took steps right away to keep Kansans healthy and mitigate the spread of the virus by limiting the need for in-person contact to complete routine responsibilities like license renewal,” Governor Kelly said. “Through quick and efficient vaccine distribution, COVID-19 cases continue to decline in Kansas – and some of these measures are no longer needed. This executive order allowing for the reimposition of license renewal deadlines is another step in our return to normal.”
Executive Order #21-22 is effective immediately and remains in force until rescinded, or until May 28, 2021, whichever is earlier.
The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 27th, 2021 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission will meet discuss the demolition bid of 10 N. National.
Jeff Armstrong, owner of Armstrong Pressure Washing. Submitted photo.
Jeff Armstrong started his new business, Armstrong Pressure Washing LLC in the fall of 2020.
“I love my hometown,” he said. ” I see a real need to continue to help homeowners and businesses maintain and protect their properties. It lends itself to community pride and I think we need more of that.”
“This business also lends itself well to my somewhat OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)personality,” Armstrong said. “Over the last year, I found myself fascinated by pressure washing videos on Youtube. After months of research and educating myself, I took a bit of a leap.”
He bought a truck, built his own rig, and invested in proper equipment and chemicals.
“After a few jobs, it was clear that I really enjoyed the work,” he said. “It’s satisfying to see something restored to its original condition and to see a customer excited about a renewal of their home. I take a lot of pride in my work and being able to bring a house or business back to its former glory is extremely fulfilling.”
Concrete washing, before and after. Submitted photo.
His service?
“I operate a residential and commercial pressure washing and soft washing business,” he said. “I specialize in house washes, roof washes, and surface cleanings such as sidewalks, porches, and driveways.”
Other services that are available include deck cleaning, fence washing, boat/Recreational Vehicle washing, fleet washing, and gutter brightening.
” I am now offering parking lot striping, as well as American Disabilities Act compliance and traffic flow designations, he said. “I am currently bidding striping work to begin this summer.”
“Often our home is one of our greatest financial investments, he said. ” We insure it, to protect it from major damage, but we sometimes don’t realize the everyday damage that occurs when houses and roofs are not properly maintained.”
” Driving around town it’s easy to see signs of damage caused by mold and algae,” Armstrong said. ” Roof stripes or dark streaks are called gloeocapsa magma, which is an airborne algae that is the most common type and it’s the easiest to spot. Those dark streaks look unsightly but they are actually eating the lime out of an asphalt shingle, which over time, can deteriorate a roof to the point of replacement.”
“It’s commonly understood that washing your car properly prevents the paint and clear coat finish from breaking down due to salt, and road materials but most people overlook the need to wash our homes,” he said.
“I wish it were as simple as just taking any old pressure washer and spraying it off, but pressure isn’t typically recommended for anything other than flat surfaces such as concrete,” he said. ” A proper house and roof wash requires the correct mixture of chemicals, and is actually applied with a low pressure or a soft wash system. I hope to continue to educate local homeowners about why this maintenance is so important. In the long run, it can save them thousands of dollars.”
Before and after photo of Armstrong Pressure Washing. Submitted photo.
For the majority of the jobs, he is the sole worker.
“However, on roof washing jobs there is the need for someone on the ground to protect surrounding vegetation from any overspray,” Armstrong said. “My wonderful daughter Kendal has assisted me on previous roof washes, and will likely help in the future.”
Pressure washing before and after. Submitted photo.
Oliver Witt, FSHS Swim Team member, in the black dress, won the Miss(ter) Pageant on April 24
Submitted by Coach Angie Kemmerer
The Fort Scott High School Girls Swim Team competed in Coffeyville on Thursday, April 22 and Monday, April 27.
At both meets the team finished 2nd behind Independence.
FSHS Boys Swimmer and Girls Team Manager Oliver Witt Represented the team at the Miss(ter) FSHS pageant on Saturday, April 24th and brought home the grand prize.
From the pool to the runway, FSHS Tigers are making a splash!
The results from Thursday’s meet were:
200 Medley Relay
“A” 2nd
“B” 3rd
200 Free
5th Emily Davenport
6th Annalyse Gilmore
200 IM
5th Annelise Hall
6th Ashley Smith
50 Free
2nd Ava Steier
5th Dawna Hudiburg
100 Fly
4th Maia Martin
100 Free
2nd Ava Steier
500 Free
2nd Kourtney Flynn
200 Free Relay
“A” 3rd
“B” 6th
100 Back
6th Kourtney Flynn
100 Breast
1st Annelise Hall
4th Ashley Smith
6th Dawna Hudiburg
400 Freestyle Relay
“A” 4th
The results from Monday’s meet:
200 Medley Relay: Both teams got a best time
“A” 2nd (Ava Steier, Ashley Smith, Alyssa Smith and Dawna Hudiburg)
The Governor vetoed a number of bills. Several of these were good bills that needed to pass into law. There will be an attempt to override the vetoes during Veto-Session, which starts May 3. A list of vetoed bills should be posted at
The Governor vetoed SB 55 that would have limited competition in women’s sports to biological females. The Governor’s veto entitles transgender athletes at the expense of biological female athletes. How can a talented high school woman athlete get a college scholarship competing against biological males? The Governor said this bill, “would harm our ability to attract and retain businesses.” Let’s be clear, she is talking about out-of-state multi-national corporations trying to force state policy that goes against Kansas values. The Governor is cowering to them. The legislature will try to override this veto but the votes will be close.
Protecting Elections
The Governor vetoed two election bills (HB 2183 and HB2332) that would strengthen the integrity of Kansas elections. One of her excuses was, “hundreds of major companies across the nation have made it abundantly clear that this kind of legislation is wrong.” Who does she represent? Definitely not Kansans when she is more worried about national corporations instead of the accuracy of Kansas elections. Our Governor is talking the national Democrat propaganda, instead representing Kansas. We will have the votes for a veto override on both of the bills if no legislator changes their vote.
2nd Amendment
The Governor vetoed two 2nd Amendment bills. HB 2089 would allow local school boards options to offer gun safety education. HB 2058 would lower the minimum age to conceal carry in Kansas from 21 to 18 years old. It also establishes reciprocity for persons 18 to 20 years of age that hold a concealed carry permit from another state. Can you believe the veto override will be more difficult on the firearm education bill, HB 2089? The Senate and House should have the votes on HB 2058. The House needs 5 Representatives to change their vote on HB 2089 to override the Governor’s veto.
Basic Civics and Finance Education
The Governor vetoed HB 2039, requiring students pass an exam with 60 questions from the naturalization tests administered by the U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services. It would enlighten our students on American civics. It would also require students in grades 10, 11, or 12 to pass a personal financial literacy course in order to graduate. The bar for a veto override will be higher on this bill – the bill passed with 25 yes and 13 no votes in the Senate and 72 to 51 in the House. The Senate needs 27 votes and the House 84 votes for a veto override. Hopefully, legislators who voted No will realize how important it is that students have basic civics and financial knowledge.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
To find further resources on how to protect you and your family, visit coronavirus.gov or the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website here.
Vaccines in Kansas
Visit kansasvaccine.gov for information regarding COVID-19 vaccinations in Kansas, including availability and FAQs.
To find providers offering COVID-19 vaccinations, use KDHE’s Find My Vaccine map tool. Enter your zip code or address to find the providers nearest you.
Assistance
If you are a Kansas resident and you or your family needs assistance with matters related to COVID-19, please click here.
If your employment situation has been impacted by COVID-19, including reduced work hours, please refer to these resources from the Kansas Department of Labor:
Please visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment here.
U.S. Small Business Administration Resources
For information regarding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), including second draw loans, please visit the U.S. Small Business Administration’s website by clicking here.
For information regarding Economic Injury Disaster loans, please click here.
Veteran Resources
For information on veteran and VA related topics, resources and contact information, please click here.
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Phone Calls to Kansans
Rich & Marty Kramer of Lawrence
Aaron Otto, Johnson County Airport Commission, New Century
Bill Colligan, Selex ES, Inc., Overland Park
Mark Demetree, US Salt, Overland Park
David Zeil, Urban Outfitters, Kansas City
Gordon Ramsey, Chief of Police, Wichita
Calvin Hayden, Johnson County Sheriff, Olathe
Dr. Bill Clifford, Fry Eye Associates, Garden City
Mike Warner, Attorney, Lawrence
Dr. Bryce Heitman, Newman Family Medicine, Emporia
Thomas Allen, KM Pathogen Defense, Downs
Pat Contreras, McCowan Gordon, Kansas City
Drew Hertel of Hays
Jill & Jeff Deeds, Jade Farms, Goodland
Mark Baker, Mars Candy, Topeka
Joann Knight, Dodge City & Ford County Development Corporation, Dodge City
Nick Hernandez, City Administrator, Dodge City
Carol Dengel of Overland Park
Bill Ring, Fishing Guide Service, Hays
Laura McNichol, Watco Companies, Pittsburg
Hon. Clarke Sanders, Kansas House of Representatives, Salina
Chad Austin, Kansas Hospital Association, Topeka
Doug Wareham, Kansas Bankers Association, Topeka
Scott Ring, University of Kansas, Lawrence
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Packing the Court is a Dangerous Ploy for Power
On Wednesday evening, I spoke on the Senate floor in opposition to Senate Democrats’ legislation that would immediately expand the U.S. Supreme Court to 13 justices.
This is a transparent and dangerous ploy for power that would undermine trust in the fair application of the law and delegitimize the highest court in the land. Rather than working across the aisle, Senate Democrats are more interested in eliminating the filibuster to pass their agenda and stacking the court to prevent their agenda from being struck down as unconstitutional.
The checks and balances of our Constitution work. I implore Senate Democrats to have the same faith in these constitutional guardrails as I do; to have the same faith in the independence and fairness of the Supreme Court that the majority of Americans have; and to believe that we can work together on behalf of the Americans we serve without resorting to acts that will damage us all. Click here or below to watch my full remarks.
Remembering WWII Hero, Six-Triple-Eight Member Deloris Ruddock
This week, I was honored to speak at the memorial service of an American hero, Deloris Ruddock. Deloris served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion – the Six Triple Eight – during World War II. I first met Deloris three years ago at the Six Triple Eight Monument dedication at Fort Leavenworth, which honors the women of her unit. She was humble, yet confident, and I feel lucky to have known her as one of the precious few remaining trailblazing women that served in the Six Triple Eight.
Deloris did not think about the fact that she was making history when she enlisted. She said she liked to live in the present and enjoy the blessings that life gave her. But she did make history; her decision to enlist and to go overseas was a groundbreaking decision in many ways that took tremendous courage. The work she did was essential to our nation’s success in the war. The Six Triple Eight sorted two years of backlogged mail in both England and France to make certain our troops on the front lines could correspond with their loved ones. I like to think that their work gave our troops the extra ounce of encouragement that was needed to win the war.
The Six Triple Eight holds a special place in my heart. I introduced the Six Triple Eight Congressional Gold Medal Act to make certain these trailblazing women are recognized for their contributions to our nation. This bill should be passing the Senate any day now, and when it does, I will work with my colleagues in the House to send this bill to the President.
75 years after Deloris’ return home, she was one of the precious few who remained as a symbol of that history. We were lucky to have known her. To learn more about the Deloris’ service and the Six Triple Eight, click here.
On Thursday, April 29, individuals can receive a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination at the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas in Fort Scott. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is the only approved vaccine for ages 16-17 with parental consent, and anyone age 18 and up.
The vaccination clinic at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd will be held from 2 PM-4 PM by appointment only. This is a two-dose vaccine that is given 21 days apart.
Individuals can request a vaccine appointment on the CHC/SEK website chcsek.org. Click the COVID Vaccine Request button. After selecting the “first dose” button, there is an option to select the Pfizer vaccine. CHC/SEK representatives will contact the recipients to schedule a date for the vaccine.
For those without web access, the health center has a toll-free number, 866-888-8650 and a second number for Spanish-speakers 620-240-8940 to make vaccination appointments.
As with all COVID-19 vaccines, there is no out-of-pocket costs to vaccine recipients.
~HB 2007 includes significant funding to support vulnerable Kansans ~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed House Bill 2007, the state budget for FY 2021 and FY 2022, which passed with bipartisan support. However, she line-item vetoed certain provisos resolved in existing legislation or that would be better addressed not in this budget but through better collaboration between agencies and stakeholders.
The following message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her signing of HB 2007, and her line-item vetoes:
“I want to thank the legislature for working together thoughtfully and expeditiously to pass this budget, which includes many enhancements to the work we began before the pandemic to restore funding through fiscally responsible tax and budget policy. There is still more work to be done, however, this budget includes significant funding to support some of the most vulnerable Kansans, including those in long-term care and those with intellectual disabilities. It also increases access to newborn screening, preventive mental health, and crisis services.
“While I support the majority of the provisions in this budget, there are items that have either been resolved in existing legislation or that would be better addressed not in this budget but through better collaboration between agencies and stakeholders. Other provisions tie funding mandates or prohibitions to blanket policies that should either be more narrowly tailored or independently vetted on their own merits through the regular legislative process.
“I look forward to working with the legislature to address the critical funding measures that must be passed during Omnibus. These include our constitutional obligation to adequately and equitably fund our K-12 public schools, salary increases for state employees, and restored funding for state agencies whose budgets were reduced as a precautionary measure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(b) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby return House Bill 2007 with my signature approving the bill, except for the items enumerated below.”
State Bank Commissioner—Per Diem Increase for Kansas Banking Board Members
Section 4(b) has been line-item vetoed in its entirety.
This section would increase the per diem for members of the state banking board from $35 to $100 for the 2021 fiscal year, which ends in less than 70 days. The legislature should study this issue over the interim and make recommendations applicable to all boards and commissions. These recommendations should consider the fiscal impact of potential increases.
Legislative Coordinating Council—Room 221-E
Sections 29(d) and 31(a) have been line-item vetoed in their entirety. Additionally, the following portion of section 30(a) has also been vetoed:
Provided further, That notwithstanding the provisions of K.S.A. 75-3765a, and amendments thereto, or any other statute, expenditures shall be made by the above agency from the legislative coordinating council – operations account of the state general fund for fiscal year 2022 for the designation and identification of room 221-E of the state capitol building as a meditation room.
These sections would designate Room 221-E as the meditation room in the Statehouse. I support legislative efforts to provide a meditation space in one of the many rooms in the Capitol that remain unused for much of the year and are more convenient, more accessible, and closer to the public entrance.
Room 221-E, which is adjacent to the rest of the Governor’s Office and has been designated as part of the Governor’s Office space in the Statehouse, is currently being used by our constituent services team to provide critical assistance to Kansans on unemployment issues, proclamations, questions regarding legislative matters, and other inquiries.
